My Son’s Defection to APC is ‘Personal Choice’, says Atiku
My Son’s Defection to APC is ‘Personal Choice’, says Atiku
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the defection of his son, Abba Abubakar, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement released on Thursday via his official X handle, Atiku described his son’s move as a “personal choice” and maintained that such decisions are a normal occurrence within a democratic setting.
Atiku emphasized that he is a firm believer in democratic principles and does not believe in coercing his children or any Nigerian in matters of conscience.
He noted that while family and politics often intersect, he respects the autonomy of his family members to make their own political alignments. He urged the public not to see the development as a cause for alarm or a rift within his household.
Despite the personal nature of the defection, the former Vice President took the opportunity to reiterate his criticisms of the APC-led administration.
He expressed deep concern over what he described as “poor governance” and the severe economic and social hardships currently facing Nigerians. Atiku insisted that his primary focus remains on the state of the nation rather than individual political movements.
Abba Abubakar formally announced his exit from the PDP at the National Assembly in Abuja, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin.
During the event, Abba stated that his decision to join the APC was motivated by the “outstanding leadership style” of Senator Jibrin and his desire to contribute to the country’s progress through the ruling party’s platform.
In a move that highlights the political divide within the family, Abba pledged his full support for President Bola Tinubu’s potential re-election bid in 2027. He also directed his various political coordinators and associations to join the APC immediately, promising to mobilize grassroots support to ensure the success of the President’s second-term agenda.
The defection has sparked significant discussion across Nigeria’s political landscape, given Atiku’s status as a leading opposition figure.
However, Atiku concluded his statement by affirming his commitment to working with “like-minded patriots” to provide a credible alternative for Nigerians.
He vowed to remain resolute in his quest to restore good governance and bring relief to the citizens.
